re: Class of 2019 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: That's a Wrap Edition

Preliminary defensive line coach candidates

With the news that defensive line coach Karl Dunbar is off to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the dizzying coaching staff turnover at Alabama continues.

As previously reported, these changes stem from the desire of Nick Saban to double down on recruiting efforts.

So who are the candidates Alabama might look towards to step in as defensive line coach? Here are a few preliminary names (listed in alphabetical order).

Todd Bates

Bates is currently the defensive line coach at Clemson. He was a defensive end for the Crimson Tide from 2001-04, voted a permanent team captain in 2004. He also spent time as a college coach in the state at Jacksonville State from 2014-16.

Bo Davis


Davis is a name Alabama fans should be familiar with as he’s spent time as a UA defensive line coach in two different stints. Currently an assistant at Texas-San Antonio, Davis is coveted by Saban. However, Davis is still under a show cause from the NCAA from his last stop in Tuscaloosa. Davis is an excellent recruiter and Saban trusts his defensive lineman evaluations.

Eric Henderson

Henderson spent the 2017 season as an assistant defensive line coach with the Las Angeles Chargers. Prior to that, Henderson was with Texas-San Antonio in 2016, where he worked with Davis and current UA defensive assistant coach Pete Golding. Henderson is native of New Orleans, a fertile recruiting area that Alabama recruits heavily.

Freddie Roach

Roach played and has been on staff at Alabama. He was a big part of the Crimson Tide’s defense during his career which spanned from 2002-05. He was an assistant strength and conditioning coach at UA from 2008-10 before moving to Murray State and then on to South Alabama as an assistant coach. He rejoined the UA program in 2015 before being named the Ole Miss defensive line coach in 2017.

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